“There are lots of gay people everywhere. There have been gay people all throughout history,” Alan continued.

“There are gay people who work for you, there’s lots of gay people in the 2.6 million people who follow you on Instagram.

“There’s probably gay people in your family – you just don’t know yet because they’re too scared to be themselves.

“I would say to you wake up and please stop this awful persecution because gay people are part of humanity and what you’re doing is condoning crimes against humanity.”

The Chechen government has denied the reports, originating in Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta and have been backed up by human rights groups, stating at least 100 gay men have been detained and beaten “in connection with their non-traditional sexual orientation, or suspicion of such” and three were feared dead.

The Associated Press reported a spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday: “We do not have any reliable information about any problems in this area.”

The Australian, American, British and European governments have previously condemned the reports. In a statement, the UN Commissioner for Human Rights called upon the Russian government “to put an end to the persecution of people perceived to be gay or bisexual… who are living in a climate of fear fuelled by homophobic speeches by local authorities.”